Hurghada has more to it than the Red Sea. Of course people come here mainly for diving, but much to their delight, discover that there are several other fascinating aspects to Hurghada’s personality. Here is a well-planned 7 day itinerary to help visitors enjoy the charming, old-fashioned Egyptian city.

Day 1 - Red Sea Diving

Start your tour with diving and snorkeling at the Red Sea, an excellent center for underwater sports and a rich marine life. Visitors can spot impressive coral reefs and tons of tropical fish. Diving can be organized by your hotel or by one of the several diving centers in the region. Other water sports activities include windsurfing, parasailing and jet skiing. Take a glass boat ride, where you can see magnificent corals from the glass bottom of the boat.

Day 2 - Desert Safari

Take a desert safari by jeep or on camel back organized by most hotels and tour companies. The camel ride route takes visitors through the Biblical plains to see ancient monuments and ruins. Tourists can also go quad-biking in the Sahara desert and share tea and conversation with the local tribes.

Day 3 - Giftun Islands

Take a boat trip to Gifton Islands, a virtually uninhabited patch of phenomenal natural beauty. Visit the Giftun Island National Park to enjoy the stunning coral gardens and swim amidst rich coral reefs of the region. This is also a great spot of sunbathing on the warm white sand.

Day 4 - Shop

Visitors can pick up lovely souvenirs from the Sekella Hight Street, the road adjacent to the beach and downtown Hurghada. The city center has several bazaars featuring items that can be purchased at throw-away prices. There are a few reasonably-priced souvenir stores in New Hurghada and New Marina.

Day 5 - Sharm-El-Shiekh

Sharm-El-Shiekh is another super diving destination located a few kilometers from Hurghada. It is also a nice historical town, where visitors can see lovely old churches and other ancient monuments.

Day 6 - El Dahar

Take a walk through the El Dahar Street that gives you a real feel of an old Egyptian neighborhood. There are several eateries, souvenir shops, street-side markets and ancient homes. Head to the churches located in the center of the town and finish off with a visit to the Chill Beach Bar, a popular hangout with nice tropical huts and lazy hammocks.

Day 7 - Red Sea Aquarium

Visit the Red Sea Aquarium that houses a huge variety of marine life inhabiting the region. The exhibits are well-organized and clearly labeled with elaborate diagrams and textual information. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hurghada is a haven for underwater adventure tourists with several diving and snorkeling centers spread throughout the Red Sea. There are other interesting islands, desert safaris and old town quarters that can be explored from or in Hurghada.